A new method used to eliminate chemical waste by the artwork department is 
being introduced to the industry to utilize what is called "direct-write" 
imaging.  This system uses a laser plotter equipped with an Nd:YAG  infrared 
thermal laser that images directly onto the master phototool material.  This 
new phototool material needs no chemical processing and is durable enough to 
be used as the working phototool.  It may even eliminate dimensional 
variation since the film is not exposed to wet developing and hot drying 
which is a major variable related to dimensional instability.  Let me know 
if you require further information.  Gerber Systems supplies the imaging 
equipment and Agfa and Dupont supply the direct-write film material.

George Murray
Gerber Systems Corp.
[log in to unmask]
Tel: (860) 648-8117
Fax:(860) 648-8013
 ----------
From: TechNet-request
To: TechNet
Subject: Silver Halide Film Development
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 1997 7:44PM

Hello fellow TechNetters:

Recently I had some questions regarding Phototool dimensions.  I want to
thank all who responded.  Your input was very helpful!

In the development of Silver Halide film, there are byproducts of spent
developer and fixer.  How do you handle these?  Or, more specifically...

I am told by some people, that depending upon the amount of silver in the
developer, if it is within limits, can be sent down the drain with the rinse
water.  A waste treatment lab tech suggested that it could be used to treat
some of the waste they handle to adjust the pH.  Has anybody tried re-using
spent developer for anything?  Currently, the developer is drained from the
feed-and-bleed system of the Film Processor unit into a barrel, which is
carried to our Waste Treatment department.

In addition, how do you handle the spent fixer solution?  It is usually
heavily concentrated with silver.  Currently, it is drained from the
feed-and-bleed system of the Processor unit into barrels, which are carried
to Waste Treatment department, who sells the barrels.  We have looked into
silver recovery units, but haven't found one we like (got any suggestions?).


I'd like to eliminate the handling chemical waste by our Artwork Generation
technicians.  How do most places handle the by-products of Silver Halide 
film
development?

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

 Process Engineer

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